Jeb Bush’s wisdom worth a listen

Jeb Bush is never going to occupy the Oval Office, but the former Florida governor — and Republican presidential hopeful — still wants his voice to be heard.

That’s good news for Republicans and Democrats. Donald Trump may have referred to Bush as “low energy” during the presidential campaign, but Bush is a welcome voice of rationality at an irrational time in our nation.

Bush has made it clear he isn’t planning another White House run in 2020. But what he had to say recently about Republicans, and politics in general, is worth repeating.

Speaking at Ozy Fest — a music, talk and innovation festival — in New York City over the weekend, Bush expressed these opinions:

On Republicans not speaking out about possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia:

“If Barack Obama did something as it’s related to Russia, you say ‘this is outrageous,’ and then when your guy does the same thing, have the same passion to be critical.”

The comment caused the room to erupt in cheers, as well it should. Not many Republicans have been willing to go on the record criticizing the president for anything, particularly his relationship with Russia. On picking celebrity candidates: “We may have really talented people that are really good on TV being our leaders for awhile until we sort things out,” Bush said. “Ideas and policy really matter. It’s not just about personality.”

Ironically, it was Bush’s lack of a strong personality that hurt him during debates and the presidential campaign. He seems more willing to show that personality now. On Trump in general: “I find him deeply troubling in a lot of ways. But I pray for him every night. And I pray for our country every night.”

On the need for civility in political discourse:

“The idea that you shout profanities at one another and expect the other guy or gal to respond like ‘that’s so nice of you, to call me a name’ — this is horrible.

“Don’t disparage people. Don’t go after (special counsel Robert) Mueller. Don’t say you’re going to pardon yourself or whatever. Don’t do all that. Govern.”

That sounds like the Bush who was so impressive early in the 2016 campaign, coming off as the adult in the room. When he spoke to groups such as the Broward Workshop, the general impression was he would be a terrific candidate to run against Hillary Clinton.

But Bush quickly lost his voice as he was taking a verbal battering almost daily from Trump. Bush was one of the first of the major Republican candidates to drop out.

Bush’s name did surface recently as a possible member of a group wanting to purchase the Miami Marlins, but he has generally kept a low profile. But if he wants to be one of the voices of experience in the Republican Party, the GOP should at least listen.

Unfortunately, many Republican voters don’t want to hear Bush’s voice. On the Palm Beach Post website recently, the overwhelming response to Bush’s comments at Ozy Fest was “Just shut up.”

Bush shouldn’t shut up. And some of what he said is good advice for all parties.

“The president is the prime minister and the king,” Bush said. “He — or she, eventually — will be the symbol of our country.

“History is important. When presidents inspire us, we do better. And that’s what we need to get back to.”

No, he is not going to be president. But it’s good to have Jeb Bush’s voice in the arena of ideas.